TOXICITY STUDIES OF ACACIA NILOTICA POD

Abstract

ABSTRACT Acacia Nilotica is a widely used plant in traditional medicinal practice in northern Nigeria and many African countries. The aim of this study was to determine the toxicological effects of a single dose (acute) and of repeated dose (Sub-acute) administration of methanol extract of A. nilotica pod in albino rats. In the acute toxicity test, five albino rats were orally administered methanol extract of A. nilotica (5000mg/kg body weight) and signs of toxicity were observed daily for 14days. In the sub-acute toxicity study, five groups of 5 rats each were used. Group 1 received 10ml/kg b. w distilled water (control), while group 2, 3, 4 and 5 received 50, 100, 200 and 400mg/kg b. w of the extract respectively, for 28 consecutive days by oral gavage. Signs of toxicity/mortality and body weight changes were observed. Serum biochemical parameters were analysed. In the acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, the extract did not cause mortality. A significant reduction in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase was observed at 200 and 400mg/kg b. w, while the alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher than control value at 400mg/kg b. w. there was significant elevation in the activities of alanine amino transferase and gamma- glutamyl transferase than in control groups at the dose of 50, 100, 200 and 400mg/kg b. w, while the aspartate amino transferase activity was significantly higher than control groups at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg b. w. The methanol extract of A. nilotica pod was found to be safe in single administration in rats but repeated administration of doses higher than 50mg/kg b. w of the extract for 28 days in rats may cause hepatotoxicity.